we had started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we had started" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an action began in the past before another action or time reference. Example: "By the time the meeting began, we had started discussing the project details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's where we had started.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If only we had started with culture".

The Guardian

We had started a new life.

The New Yorker

We had started doing cardiac transplants in 1987.

Stanford University

Maybe, especially if we had started in 2004, say.

The New Yorker

"We had started healing and becoming friends again.

The New York Times

I want to finish what we had started there".

The New York Times

We had started the family I never had.

The New York Times

Even this February, if only we had started negotiations.

The New York Times

We had started out from Diamond Beach on Manda island.

The Guardian - Travel

We had started the second phase of life".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we had started" to clearly indicate an action that began before another point in the past. This helps establish a timeline of events for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "we had started" when a simple past tense ("we started") is sufficient. Use the past perfect only when you need to emphasize that the action occurred before another action in the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we had started" functions as a verb phrase in the past perfect progressive tense. This tense is used to describe an action that began in the past, continued for some time, and was completed before another action or point in time in the past. Ludwig provides many examples to clarify its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we had started" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an action that began and was completed before another point in the past. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used in diverse contexts such as news, academic and formal settings. When writing with "we had started", it's important to avoid redundant tense usage and to ensure a clear timeline for your reader. This comprehensive guide provides alternatives, common errors to avoid, and insightful usage tips to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we began

Simplifies the tense, using the simple past instead of the past perfect.

we commenced

Offers a more formal synonym for 'started'.

we initiated

Implies a more deliberate and planned beginning.

we undertook

Suggests beginning something significant or challenging.

we set about

Indicates starting a task or activity with a specific intention.

we launched

Implies a formal or public beginning, like a project or campaign.

we kicked off

An informal way to say 'we started', often used for projects or events.

we got underway

Similar to 'we started', but often used for journeys or large projects.

we embarked on

Suggests starting a journey or venture, often with an element of risk or excitement.

we pioneered

Implies starting something new or innovative.

FAQs

How can I use "we had started" in a sentence?

Use "we had started" to indicate an action that began before another action or point in time in the past. For example, "By the time the meeting began, "we had started" discussing the project details."

What can I say instead of "we had started"?

You can use alternatives like "we began", "we commenced", or "we initiated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we had started" or "we started"?

Both are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "We started" uses the simple past tense, while ""we had started"" uses the past perfect, indicating that the action occurred before another point in time in the past. Use "we had started" when you want to emphasize that sequence.

What's the difference between "we had started" and "we were starting"?

"We had started" indicates that an action was completed before another point in the past. "We were starting" indicates an action in progress at a specific time in the past.